Arunachal governor Rajkhowa removed after he refuses to step down

The NDA government sacked Arunachal Pradesh governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa on Monday, after he refused to quit despite receiving several hints in this regard.

Rajkhowa’s stint came to an end after President Pranab Mukherjee passed the directive on the Centre’s recommendation.

Meghalaya governor V Shanmuganathan has been granted additional charge over the state for the time being. Rajkhowa was appointed governor on May 12, 2015. “The Supreme Court’s strong observations on his conduct went against him,” said a home ministry official.

The SC, while restoring the Congress government in the state, said Rajkhowa had “discarded” all constitutional options to call an assembly session last year, resulting in the imposition of President’s rule.

But the President had a few queries for the home minister following which the Singh said the government will get back to the President on the queries.

Reacting to the news of his removal, Rajkhowa said he was waiting for the order.

“I have heard the news, but have not received the presidential order or any other order from the home ministry. I am waiting for it,” Rajkhowa told HT from Itanagar.

Rajkhowa, a former IAS officer from Assam with a reputation for personal integrity, was appointed governor of the sensitive border state on May 12, 2015.

He had recommended imposition of President’s rule in Arunachal, a decision later overturned by the Supreme Court. The top court also restored the Congress government in the state and held the decision to impose central rule as ‘unconstitutional’.

Rajkhowa had, last week, complained to the President for being put under pressure to resign by the Centre, following which the President forwarded the complaint to the home ministry.